Input control device, cooking apparatus using an input control device and method of operation

ABSTRACT

To present an operating apparatus having features including ease of operation, controllability for preventing misoperation, small size, long life, and ease of assembling. The constitution includes a base unit as skeleton of operation unit, a key operation unit (13) having plural switches disposed at the front side of the base unit, a first design sheet (12) disposed at the front side of the key operation unit (13), printing patterns at positions corresponding to each switch, a display device (11) disposed at the front side of the first design sheet (12), having light function elements (11g) for transmitting and shielding the positions corresponding to the patterns on the first design sheet (12), and a second design sheet (10) disposed at the front side of the display device (11), having windows (10b) at positions corresponding to the light function elements. By manipulating a desired window, the light function element is set in light transmission state, and the pattern printed on the first design sheet is displayed in the window.

THIS APPLICATION IS A U.S. NATIONAL PHASE APPLICATION OF PCTINTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PCT/JP96/01989.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an operating apparatus, for example, anoperating apparatus used in high frequency heating apparatus andelectric cooker.

BACKGROUND ART

Hitherto, in a cooker, for example, a high frequency heating apparatus,the menu has been subdivided in order to cook without failure. Inaddition, by the recent progress in sensor technology, automation andfunctional sophistication of cooking have been advanced. As a result, bythe increase in the number of keys in the operating apparatus andsharing of keys, the operation is complicated, and it is less easier touse. Still more, in the conventional operating apparatus, the displayunit and operation unit were placed at different positions. It was hencenecessary to observe the display unit and operation unit separately, andhandling was confusing, and wrong handling tended to occur.

On the other hand, a microwave oven is proposed as disclosed in JapanesePatent Publication 4-9524. The operation unit of this microwave ovencomprises expensive and complicated liquid crystal display andtransparent electrode switch sheet. In this constitution, the operationunit is complicated in the assembling work structurally, and the displayis poor in transparency, and the life of the display unit is short.

A conventional operating apparatus is described specifically below. As aconventional high frequency heating apparatus, a microwave oven isdescribed by referring to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of amain body of a conventional high frequency heating apparatus. In FIG.10, at the front side of the main body 39 of the high frequency heatingapparatus, there are plural display units 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, operationunits 36, 37, and a door 38 opening and closing for putting food in andout of heating compartment. In this constitution, the display units andoperation units are in different layout. Therefore, it is required toobserve plural positions while operating. As a result, it is hard toconfirm the operating state. It is inconvenient to use because it isrequired to refer to both display units and operation units duringmanipulation. It is further possible to select wrong operation keys orfail in cooking. Still worse, it is expensive, poor in productivity, andshort in life.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is hence a primary object to present an operating apparatus havingfeatures including ease of operation, controllability to suppressmisoperation, small size, long life, and ease of assembling.

The operating apparatus of the invention comprises a base unit asskeleton of operation unit, a key operation unit disposed at the frontside of the base unit, a first design sheet disposed at the front sideof the key operation unit, a display device disposed at the front sideof the first design sheet, and a second design sheet disposed at thefront side of the display device.

The second design sheet forms plural windows, and plural second displaymeans are provided in or around the windows. The display device hasplural light function elements having functions of light transmissionand light shielding at positions corresponding to the plural windows.The first design sheet has plural display means at positionscorresponding to the plural light function elements. The key operationunit has plural switch means, and is electrically connected to thedisplay device, and controls application and cancellation of electricfield to the plural light function elements in response to the operationto the windows.

In this constitution, since the display units coincide with theoperation units, operation by pressing or the like is easy, andmisoperation can be prevented. Moreover, since the display units andoperation units coincide, the entire surface of the operating apparatuscan be used as operation units. Therefore, in the operating apparatus ofa same size, more operation units can be designed. Yet, more effectiveuse is possible, and the operating apparatus may be further reduced insize.

Further, only the necessary information can be displayed in the window,and the operator can handle without being disturbed by other unnecessaryinformation.

The operating apparatus may be reduced in size.

By sealing the outer circumference of the display device, deteriorationof light function element is prevented, and the reliability is extremelyenhanced.

The plural second display means are particularly desired to be pluralmenu names.

The second design sheet is particularly desired to have a barrier layerfor shielding ultraviolet rays.

The plural windows are particularly desired to be transparent.

The display device is particularly desired to have a control unit.

Moreover, as compared with the conventional operating apparatusdisposing display elements such as lamps corresponding to the keys, thenumber of parts is notably decreased in the operating apparatus of theinvention, and hence the cost is extremely lowered, and the structure issimple and assembling is easy.

By attaching a frame around the second design sheet, the reliability ofthe operating apparatus is notably enhanced.

In the constitution integrating the first design sheet; display deviceand second design sheet, deterioration of light function elements isprevented, and the reliability is enhanced extremely.

In other aspect of the invention, the operating apparatus comprises:

key operation means having plural switch means,

a first design sheet having plural first display means disposed at thefront side of the key operation means,

a display device having plural light function elements disposed at thefront side of the first design sheet,

a second design sheet having plural windows and second display meansdisposed at the front side of the first design sheet, and

control means connected electrically to at least one of the displaydevice and key operation means.

The operating apparatus is constituted by locating each window of theplural windows and each light function element of the plural lightfunction elements, and each first display means of the plural firstdisplay means and each switch means of the plural switch means, atmutually confronting positions, respectively.

The operating method of the invention makes use of the above operatingapparatus. First, when a first window of the plural windows is pressed,a first light function element located at the position corresponding tothe first window is in light transmission state, and a first displaymeans corresponding to the first light function element is displayed inthe manipulated window, and further to urge next operation, a secondlight function element located at a position corresponding to a secondwindow of the plural windows repeats between light transmission stateand light shielding state, and other first display means correspondingto the second light function element is displayed by flickering in thesecond window.

When the flickering second window is pressed, the second light functionelement located at the position corresponding to the second window isset in light transmission state, and other first display meanscorresponding to the second light function element is displayed in thesecond window, and further to urge next operation, a third lightfunction element located at a position corresponding to a third windowof the plural windows repeats between light transmission state and lightshielding state, and other first display means corresponding to thethird light function element is displayed by flickering in the thirdwindow. Thereafter, the same operation is repeated for a desired numberof tines. Finally, the flickering window is pressed, and desiredoperation is started.

Thus, the operating method of the operating apparatus is constituted. Inthis constitution, in addition to the above effects, an interactiveoperation is realized so that the user can operate at ease.

Other constitution of the invention is a heating cooker mounting theoperating device of such constitution. As the heating cooker, a highfrequency heating cooker is particularly preferred. In thisconstitution, the above actions and effects are particularly notable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a main body of a high frequency heatingapparatus employing an operating apparatus according to an embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the structure of the operatingapparatus of the high frequency heating apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of the operating apparatus in FIG.2;

FIG. 4 is a diagram explaining the principle of operation of displaydevice constituted in the invention;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of an operating apparatus in other embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of operation of display unit of anoperating apparatus used in a cooker in a different embodiment of theinvention, in which (a) shows an initial state of display unit, (b)shows setting operation of temperature, (c) shows setting operation oftime, and (d) shows operation of start button;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing structure of an operating apparatusin a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the operating apparatus shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of an operating apparatus in a furtherdifferent embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of main body of a conventional highfrequency heating apparatus.

BEST MODES OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, embodiments of the operating apparatus ofthe invention are described in detail below.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of main body of a high frequency heatingapparatus using an operating apparatus in an embodiment of theinvention. In FIG. 1, a door 8 is disposed at the front side of a body 9of the main body of the high frequency heating apparatus. The food to beheated is accommodated inside of the door 8. Beside the door 8 isdisposed an operating apparatus 20 supported by a base unit 14. Clockdisplay means 21 is installed at the upper side of the operatingapparatus 20. This clock display means 21 displays the time and others.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the structure of the operatingapparatus of the high frequency heating apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG.3 is a schematic diagram of a section of principal parts of theoperating apparatus shown in FIG. 2. In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the base unit14 is the skeleton of the operating apparatus. Key operation means 13 isinstalled at the front side of the base unit 14. A first design sheet 12is disposed at the front side of the key operation means 13. Pluralfirst display means such as fluorescent color patterns 12a, 12b, andcharacters 12c, 12d, 12e are printed at specified positions of the firstdesign sheet 12.

A display device 11 is disposed at the front side of the first designsheet 12. The display device 11 has plural light function elements 11ghaving the functions of light transmission and light shielding. Theplural light function elements 11g are formed at positions correspondingto the plural first display means. A second design sheet 10 is disposedat the front side of the display device 11. The second design sheet 10has plural windows 10b. The plural windows 10b are formed at positionscorresponding to the plural first display means and plural lightfunction elements 11g. Near or around each window of the plural windows11b, moreover, plural menu names 10a and other first display means areprinted.

The constitution of the display device 11 is specifically describedbelow. The display device 11 has the function of allowing the firstdisplay means formed in the first design sheet 12 to be visible from thefront side, and shielding to be invisible. In FIG. 3, the display device11 is composed of a first transparent sheet 11a, a second transparentsheet 11b, and a liquid crystal material 11c. The liquid crystalmaterial 11c is a kind of the light function elements 11g. In the firstand second transparent sheets 11a and 11b, transparent patterns of afirst transparent electrode 11d and a second transparent electrode lieof transparent and conductive property made of indium oxide or metal aredisposed, respectively. In order that the first transparent sheet 11aand second transparent sheet 11b may keep a specific interval from eachother, moreover, the first transparent electrode 11d and secondtransparent electrode 11e are disposed so as to confront each other, anda spherical liquid crystal material 11c is disposed between the firsttransparent sheet 11d and second transparent sheet 11e.

The operating principle of the display device is described below. FIG. 4is a schematic diagram for explaining the operating principle of thedisplay device. In FIG. 4, as shown in (b), when a voltage 18 is appliedbetween the first transparent electrode 11d and second transparentelectrode 11e, the liquid crystal material 11c is arrayed along theelectric field. Therefore, the light is in transmission state, and hencewhen seen from the front side, the pattern or character as the firstdisplay means of the first design sheet 12 passes through the displaydevice 11. On the other hand, as shown in (a), when the voltage 18 iscut off, the liquid crystal material scatters and absorbs the light. Asa result, the display device 11 cuts off the first display means of thefirst design sheet 12.

In this constitution, the second display means is the character orpattern printed on the surface of the second design sheet, but notlimited to this, other arbitrary display means may be also used. Forexample, a transparent sheet having character or pattern may be adhered.

The material of the first design sheet 10 and second design sheet 12 isnot particularly limited, but, for example, plastic materials such aspolyethylene terephthalate are used. The thickness of the second designsheet 12 is about 250 micrometers. The total thickness of the displaydevice 11 and first design sheet 10 is about 300 micrometers. Theindividual thickness of the first design sheet 10, display device 11 andsecond design sheet 12 is not particularly defined, but when the window10b of the second design sheet 12 is pressed, the thickness is desiredto be enough to transmit the pressing force to the key operation means13.

The key operation means 13 has plural switch means, and each switchmeans of the plural switch means has a switch function corresponding tothe pressing force of each window 10b. That is, when the window 10b ispressed, its pressing force is transmitted to a specified position ofthe key operation means 13, and an electric field is applied to thefirst transparent electrode 1d and second transparent electrode 1e ofthe light function element 11g at the position corresponding to thepressed window 10b. As a result, the liquid crystal 1c of the lightfunction element at the position is set in light transmission state.

The operating method and action of the above constitution are describedbelow. In this constitution, when the user presses a desired window 10bof the plural windows 10b of the second design sheet 10, its pressingforce is transmitted to the key operation means 13, and by the switchfunction of the key operation means 13, the liquid crystal material 11cof one light function element 11g corresponding to the pressed window10b is set in light transmission state. Therefore, one first displaymeans (for example, pattern 12a or character 12c) positioned deep insidecorresponding to this light function element 11g is visible from theuser side. That is, the first display means is displayed in the pressedportion of the window 10b.

Thus, according to the embodiment, by input operation of the displayunit, selection of menu and setting of cooking conditions are enabled.Therefore, it is liberated from the conventional confusing operation ofreferring to plural positions of the display unit and operation unit.Furthermore, the display information shown in the display area is onlythe necessary information of the pressed position, and other unnecessaryinformation is not displayed. Therefore, ease of handling is enhanced,and misoperation may be prevented.

In this constitution, for example, by disposing menu names and othersecond display means on the surface of the second design sheet 10, thecooking information can be displayed more clearly.

The display position of the second display means is not particularlylimited, but it is particularly preferred to display in the peripheralarea of each window 10b of the second design sheet 10. In thisconstitution, apparent defect such as deviation of printing of displaymeans and deviation of pasting may be prevented, and the quality ofappearance is enhanced.

The first display means and second display means are not particularlylimited, but patterns, characters, graphics, symbols, numerals, andlines are used. The form of the first display means and second displaymeans is not particularly limited, but, for example, it is possible todispose by printing, or a thin sheet forming patterns or characters maybe disposed.

As the light function elements 11g used in the display device 11, amaterial having functions of both light transmission and light shieldingby electric control is particularly desired.

Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the operating apparatus of theinvention is described by referring to the drawing. FIG. 5 is aschematic diagram of a section of the operating apparatus in the secondembodiment of the invention.

In FIG. 5, on the surface of the inner side of the second design sheet10, a UV barrier layer 17 having a function of cutting off ultravioletrays as ultraviolet ray barrier means is disposed. The otherconstitution is same as the constitution shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. TheUV barrier layer 17 is formed, for example, by printing in ink. As theUV barrier layer 17, meanwhile, it is also possible to use a transparentsheet having a function of cutting off the ultraviolet rays disposedbetween the second design sheet 16 and display device 11.

In this constitution, deterioration of the light function elements 11gused in the display device 11 due to ultraviolet rays can be suppressed.

A third embodiment of the operating apparatus of the invention isdescribed below. This constitution comprises control means, in additionto the constitution shown in the first embodiment. When one specificwindow is manipulated out of plural windows, the control means displaysthe manipulated window, and simultaneously controls to flicker thedisplay in other windows to urge next operation. That is, the controlmeans controls appearance and cutoff of the display of the specifiedwindow by the display device. To urge next operation, the control unithas a function of controlling the liquid crystal material of a specificlight function element of the plural light function elements. Thecontrol means is not particularly limited, but is installed, forexample, at the back side of the key operation means 13.

An embodiment of the invention described below is a case of heating andcooking in the "oven" state of the manual menu of the operatingapparatus used in the high frequency cooking apparatus. FIG. 6 showseach state of display unit of the operating apparatus of the cooker inan embodiment of the operating apparatus of the invention. First, asshown in FIG. 6(a), when the "oven" button of window 10b is pressed, theliquid crystal material 10c corresponding to the "oven" window 10b isset in light transmission state. Therefore, the pattern 12b of the firstdesign sheet 12 corresponding to "oven" is reproduced at the "oven"position of the window 10b, and is displayed. When this pattern 12b isdisplayed, simultaneously, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the liquid crystalmaterial 11c corresponding to "temperature" window 10b repeats lighttransmission and light shielding, and the "temperature" display of othercharacter 12c of the first display means flickers at the "temperature"position of the window 10b. This flickering urges the user to do nextoperation. Next, when the desired temperature is set by the user bymanipulating "temperature," as shown in FIG. 6(c), the liquid crystalmaterial 11c corresponding to the "time" window 10b repeats lighttransmission and light shielding, and the "time" display of othercharacter 12d of the first display means flickers at the position of"time" of the window 10b. This flickering urges the user to do nextoperation. When the user further manipulates "time" and sets a desiredtime, as shown in FIG. 6(d), the liquid crystal material 11ccorresponding to the "start" window 10b repeats light transmission andlight shielding, and the "start" display of other character 12e of thefirst display means flickers at the position of "start" of the window10b. This flickering urges the user to do next operation. The userpresses "start" button to start cooking. Thus, in this embodiment,according to the manipulation by the user, the control means displaysthe window at desired position of the display device, and at the sametime controls to flicker other window to urge the user for nextoperation. In this constitution, the interactive operation is realized,so that the user can cook at ease.

A fourth embodiment of the operating apparatus of the invention isdescribed below by referring to the drawings.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the constitution of an operatingapparatus in a further different embodiment of the invention. FIG. 8 isa schematic diagram of a section of the operating apparatus shown inFIG. 7. In FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, seal means 15 is disposed on the outercircumference of the end face of the display device 11. The otherconstitution is same as the constitution in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. Aftergluing the first design sheet 12 and display device 11, the outercircumference of the end face of the display device 11 is sealed by theseal means 15. The display device 11 sealed by the seal means 15 isintegrated with the second design sheet 10 by holding together with thekey operation means 13. In this constitution, invasion of foreign matter(for example, water, alkaline detergent, seasoning) into the liquidcrystal material, or effects of static electricity can be prevented. Thematerial of the seal means 15 is not particularly limited, but, forexample, silicone rubber, synthetic rubber, and other sealing materialmay be used.

A fifth embodiment of the operating apparatus of the invention isdescribed below by reference to the drawing.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a section of an operating apparatus ina still further different embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 9, aframe 16 is disposed around the front side of the second design sheet10. The other constitution is same as the constitution of the operatingapparatus in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. According to this constitution, effectsof static electricity on the liquid crystal material 11c used in thedisplay device 11 can be prevented in the spatial distance. The frame 16is not particularly limited, but a molded piece of plastic material in aspecific shape may be used.

Herein, the operating apparatus of the invention is used in the highfrequency heating apparatus, but the operating apparatus of theinvention may be also used in other electrical appliances such aselectric dryer and washing machine.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In the constitution of the invention, since the display unit andoperation unit coincide, the pressing operation is easy, andmisoperation can be prevented. Moreover, since the display unit andoperation unit coincide, the entire surface of the operating apparatuscan be used as the operation unit. Therefore, as compared with theoperating apparatus of same size, more operation units can be designed,and further effective manner of use is realized, and the operatingapparatus may be reduced in size.

Besides, only the necessary information is displayed in the window, andit is possible to operate without being disturbed by other unnecessaryinformation.

By installation of control means, it is possible to operate according tothe flickering display, and it is easy to operate, and interactiveoperation is realized.

As compared with the conventional operating apparatus having displayelements such as lamps corresponding to each key, the number of parts isdramatically decreased in the operating apparatus of the invention, andhence the cost is notably reduced, the structure is simple, andassembling is easy.

Moreover, the operating apparatus may be reduced in thickness.

By the constitution of sealing the outer circumference of the displaydevice, deterioration of light function elements due to effects ofstatic electricity or foreign matter may be prevented, so that thereliability may be enhanced greatly.

By installing a frame around the second design sheet, effects of staticelectricity on the light function elements are suppressed, and thereliability is notably improved.

Still more, by the integrated structure of first design sheet, displaydevice and second design sheet, deterioration of the light functionelements is prevented, and hence the reliability is dramaticallyenhanced.

The heating cooker mounting the operating apparatus of the invention isparticularly notable in these effects. Furthermore, as the heatingcooker, the high frequency heating apparatus is particularly preferable.

What is claimed is:
 1. An input control device with visual displays,comprising:key operating means having plural switch means, a first sheethaving a plurality of first designs thereon, said first sheet disposedat the front side of the key operating means, a display device having aplurality of light function elements, said light function elementshaving at least a light transmission state and a light shielding state,and said display device disposed at the front side of the first sheet,and a second sheet having a plurality of windows and second designsthereon, said second sheet disposed at the front side of the displaydevice, wherein each window of the plurality of windows, and each lightfunction element of the plurality of light function elements, and eachfirst design of the plurality of first designs, and each switch means ofthe plural switch means are located at mutually opposite positions, suchthat when a pressing force is applied to one of the plural windows, theplural window, the underlying light function element, the underlyingfirst designs on the first sheet, and the underlying switch means areeach temporarily deformed such that said temporarily deformed switchmeans sets the light function element to its light transmission state byapplication of an electrical signal, thereby allowing the underlyingfirst designs on the first design sheet to be displayed in the pluralwindow.
 2. An input control device with visual displays of claim 1,wherein each light function element of the plural light functionelements has a liquid crystal material placed through a transparentsheet which can be deformed by pressing force and an electric field isapplied to the liquid crystal material by each switching action of theplural switch means, and the light function element is set in the lighttransmission state by application of the electric field, and is set inlight shielding state by cancellation of application of the electricfield.
 3. An operating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the each seconddisplay means is formed in each window or in the peripheral regionthereof.
 4. An operating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the each firstdisplay means is at least one selected from the group consisting ofpattern, graphic, character, symbol, numeral and line.
 5. An operatingapparatus of claim 1, wherein the each second display means is at leastone selected from the group consisting of pattern, graphic, character,symbol, numeral and line.
 6. An operating apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe first design sheet, display device, and second design sheet areintegrated by adhering means.
 7. An operating apparatus of claim 1,wherein the second design sheet includes ultraviolet ray barrier meansfor shielding ultraviolet rays.
 8. An operating apparatus of claim 1,further comprising a sealing means disposed at a peripheral end of thedisplay device.
 9. An operating apparatus of claim 1, further comprisinga frame for shielding static electricity disposed at the front side ofthe second design sheet.
 10. A heating cooker comprising:(a) a main bodyof a heating apparatus, and (b) an input control device with visualdisplays, comprising: key operating means having plural switch means, afirst sheet having a plurality of first designs thereon, said firstsheet disposed at the front side of the key operating means, a displaydevice having a plurality of light function elements, said lightfunction elements having at least a light transmission state and a lightshielding state, and said display device disposed at the front side ofthe first sheet, and a second sheet having a plurality of windows andsecond designs thereon, said second sheet disposed at the front side ofthe display device, wherein each window of the plurality of windows, andeach light function element of the plurality of light function elements,and each first design of the plurality of first designs, and each switchmeans of the plural switch means are located at mutually oppositepositions, such that when a pressing force is applied to one of theplural windows, the plural window, the underlying light functionelement, the underlying first designs on the first sheet, and theunderlying switch means are each temporarily deformed, such that saidtemporarily deformed switch means sets the light function element to itslight transmission state by application of an electrical signal, therebyallowing the underlying first designs on the first design sheet to bedisplayed in the plural window.
 11. A heating cooker of claim 10,wherein the heating apparatus is a high frequency heating apparatus. 12.A heating cooker of claim 10, wherein the plural second display means ismenu names for cooking.
 13. A heating cooker of claim 10, wherein eachsecond display means of the plural second display means is formed in aperipheral region of the each window.
 14. A heating cooker of claim 10,wherein the each first display means is at least one selected from thegroup consisting of pattern, graphic, character, symbol, numeral andline.
 15. An input control device with visual displays, comprising:keyoperating means having plural switch means, a first sheet having aplurality of first designs thereon, said first sheet disposed at thefront side of the key operating means, a display device having aplurality of light function elements, said light function elementshaving at least a light transmission state and a light shielding state,and said display device disposed at the front side of the first sheet,and a second sheet having a plurality of windows and second designsthereon, said second sheet disposed at the front side of the displaydevice, and control means connected electrically to at least one of thedisplay device and key operation means, wherein each window of theplurality of windows, and each light function element of the pluralityof light function elements, and each first design of the plurality offirst designs, and each switch means of the plural switch means arelocated at mutually opposite positions, such that when a pressing forceis applied to each light function element of the plural light functionelements, the light function element is temporarily deformed, and alongwith deformation of the light function element, by an electrical actionof the key operation means, the pressed light function element functionsto be in light transmission state, when a window of the plural windowsis pressed and manipulated, the light function element located at theposition corresponding to the manipulated window is set in lighttransmission state, and the first display element corresponding to thelight function element in light transmission state is displayed in themanipulated window, and further to urge next operation, the lightfunction element located at the position corresponding to other windowout of the plural windows repeats light transmission state and lightshielding state, and the first display means corresponding to the lightfunction element repeating the light transmission state and lightshielding state is displayed by flickering in the manipulated window.16. An operating apparatus of claim 15, wherein each light functionelement of the plural light function elements has a liquid crystalmaterial placed through a transparent sheet which can be deformed bypressing force, and an electric field is applied to the liquid crystalmaterial by each switching action of the plural switch means, and thelight function element is set in the light transmission state byapplication of the electric field, and is set in light shielding stateby cancellation of application of the electric field.
 17. A heatingcooker comprising:(a) a main body of a heating apparatus, and (b) aninput control device with visual displays, comprising: key operatingmeans having plural switch means, a first sheet having a plurality offirst designs thereon, said first sheet disposed at the front side ofthe key operating means, a display device having a plurality of lightfunction elements, said light function elements having at least a lighttransmission state and a light shielding state, and said display devicedisposed at the front side of the first sheet, and a second sheet havinga plurality of windows and second designs thereon, said second sheetdisposed at the front side of the display device, and control meansconnected electrically to at least one of the display device and keyoperation means, wherein each window of the plurality of windows, andeach light function element of the plurality of light function elements,and each first design of the plurality of first designs, and each switchmeans of the plural switch means are located at mutually oppositepositions, such that when a pressing force is applied to each lightfunction element of the plural light function elements, the lightfunction element is temporarily deformed, and along with deformation ofthe light function element, by an electrical action of the key operationmeans, the pressed light function element functions to be in lighttransmission state, when a window of the plural windows is pressed andmanipulated, the light function element located at the positioncorresponding to the manipulated window is set in light transmissionstate, and the first display element corresponding to the light functionelement in light transmission state is displayed in the manipulatedwindow, and further to urge next operation, the light function elementlocated at the position corresponding to other window out of the pluralwindows repeats light transmission state and light shielding state, andthe first display means corresponding to the light function elementrepeating the light transmission state and light shielding state isdisplayed by flickering in the manipulated window.
 18. A heating cookerof claim 17, wherein the heating apparatus is a high frequency heatingapparatus.
 19. A method of operating an input control device with visualdisplays, comprising the steps of:(a) constituting an input controldevice with visual displays, said input control device comprising: keyoperating means having plural switch means, a first sheet having aplurality of first designs thereon, said first sheet disposed at thefront side of the key operating means, a display device having aplurality of light function elements, said light function elementshaving at least a light transmission state and a light shielding state,and said display device disposed at the front side of the first sheet,and a second sheet having a plurality of windows and second designsthereon, said second sheet disposed at the front side of the displaydevice, and control means connected electrically to at least one of thedisplay device and key operation means, wherein each window of theplurality of windows, and each light function element of the pluralityof light function elements, and each first design of the plurality offirst designs, and each switch means of the plural switch means arelocated at mutually opposite positions, and each light function elementof the plurality of light function elements is deformable, (b) when apressing force is applied to each light function element of theplurality of light function elements, the light function element istemporarily deformed, and along with deformation of the light functionelement, by an electrical action of the key operating means, the pressedlight function element functions to be in light transmission state,pressing and manipulating a first window of the plural windows,accordingly, a first light function element located at the positioncorresponding to the first window is set in light transmission state anda first display element corresponding to the first light functionelement in light transmission state is displayed in the first window,and further to urge next operation, a second light function elementlocated at the position corresponding to a second window out of theplural windows repeats light transmission state and light shieldingstate, and the other first display means corresponding to the secondlight function element repeating the light transmission state and lightshielding state is displayed by flickering in the second window, (c)manipulating the second window which is flicking, accordingly, thesecond light function element located at the position corresponding tothe second window is set in light transmission state, and the otherfirst display element corresponding to the second light function elementin light transmission state is displayed in the second window, andfurther to urge next operation, a third light function element locatedat the position corresponding to a third window out of the pluralwindows repeats light transmission state and light shielding state, andfurther other first display means corresponding to the third lightfunction element repeating the light transmission state and lightshielding state is displayed by flickering in the third window, (d)repeating the operation of step (c) as many times as required, and (e)finally manipulating the flickering window to start desired operation.20. An operating method of an operating apparatus of claim 19characterized by being mounted on a heating cooker.
 21. An operatingmethod of an operating apparatus of claim 20, wherein the heating cookeris a high frequency heating cooker.
 22. An operating method of anoperating apparatus of claim 20, wherein the plural second display meansis menu names for cooking.
 23. An operating method of an operatingapparatus of claim 20, wherein the each first display means is at leastone selected from the group consisting of pattern, graphic, character,symbol, numeral and line.
 24. An operating method of an operatingapparatus of claim 19, wherein the each light function element has aliquid crystal material, and the liquid crystal material is set in lighttransmission state by application of electric field and set in lightshielding state by cancellation of application of electric field, by theaction of the each switch means.